Scientists are puzzling over one crucial number as they evaluate the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

‘The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine candidate is given to people as two doses, at least one month apart. The trial data, which comes from late-stage studies in the UK, Brazil and South Africa, suggests that the vaccine is 62% effective if people get two full doses, but 90% effective when they get a half-strength version of the first dose. The information was provided in a press release and hasn't been published in a peer-reviewed journal. AstraZeneca and Oxford said they're submitting the results for review and publication.’

Read here (Business Insider, Nov 24, 2020)

Moderna's chief medical officer says that vaccine trial results only show that they prevent people from getting sick — not necessarily that recipients won't still be able to transmit the virus

‘Moderna Chief Medical Officer Tal Zaks told Axios that the public should not "over-interpret" the vaccine trial results to assume life could go back to normal after adults are vaccinated. "They do not show that they prevent you from potentially carrying this virus transiently and infecting others," Zaks told Axios.  While he believes, based on the science, that it's likely that vaccine does prevent transmission, but said there's still no solid proof of that yet. "I think it's important that we don't change behavior solely on the basis of vaccination," he said.’

Read here (Business Insider, Nov 24, 2020)